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The worst-kept secret in the tablet world may officially be unveiled next week at an Amazon-sponsored press conference where a major product announcement is expected.

Early Friday, the online retail giant began sending out invitations to the company's New York press event, which read: “Please join us for an Amazon.com press conference.” Obviously, the invite doesn't spoil the anticipated announcement, but it's almost certain what Amazon plans to unveil.

Amazon is believed to be holding its event in September as to avoid being dwarfed by the anticipated Apple-dominated headlines in October. Industry watchers say Amazon should have at least ten full days to soak up the media spotlight that will be drawn to an Amazon-branded tablet.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the Amazon tablet is expected to have a "roughly nine-inch screen and will run on Google’s Android platform." While some may be quick to write-off Amazon's effort as futile in the face of Apple's growing dominance in the tablet market, Forrester analyst Sarah Rotman Epps says Amazon will be "backed by the company’s significant experience in selling digital content." Amazon, after all, already boasts of an Android app store and sells MP3 downloads and digital videos - all of which will make the Amazon tablet exponentially more attractive to potential buyers.